Ao Senden launches anti-malpractice campaign from Koridang, urging clean elections, rejecting proxy candidates, and strengthening grassroots electoral reforms.
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MOKOKCHUNG — In a decisive push to reform electoral culture, Ao Senden on Saturday launched a constituency-level campaign against poll malpractices, beginning with the 28-Koridang Assembly Constituency.
Village councils and ward authorities from across Koridang attended the consultative meeting at Ao Senden conference hall in Mokokchung—marking the apex Ao body’s first direct grassroots intervention on election integrity.
The house flagged persistent concerns including money power, proxy “senso (consensus) candidates”, vote-buying, use of alcohol during campaigns, social coercion, and election-related violence. It also cautioned against the use of ex-communication as a tool of electoral pressure.
Ao Senden leaders clarified that Koridang was chosen as a starting point—not singled out—with the aim of setting a model for Ao-inhabited areas. Participants were urged to reject proxy candidatures and strengthen community norms to ensure free and fair voting.
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Addressing the gathering, ABAM Executive Secretary Rev. Temsu Jamir said such malpractices have persisted since 1969, stressing that collective diktats must not override individual rights. He pointed to relatively peaceful polls in Chakhesang areas as an example to emulate.
Ao Senden president Marsanen Imsong called for turning the “clean elections” idea into a people’s movement, urging communities to take ownership of reforms. “Let us begin with Koridang and set an example,” he said.
Representatives from Mangmetong, Longkhum, Khensa, Mekuli, Chungtia and Yimyu attended the meeting, while Aliba and Kinunger were absent.